How is The Lark - Santa Barbara restaurant rated?

Name: The Lark - Santa Barbara
Address: 131 Anacapa St. Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA, United States, 93101
Telephone: (805) 284-0370
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

The Lark - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA

The Lark - Santa Barbara

4.6

2306 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

The Lark pays homage to the history of California train travel and tributes the treasured and long gone Santa Barbara Fish Market, built in the 1920’s as a commercial fish processing plant, shipping their seafood products throughout the state by rail. With an imaginative yet approachable menu created by the gifted Jason Paluska, The Lark celebrates everything found around Santa Barbara County – wineries, farms, ocean and natural beauty. The stunning design strives to connect to the past and the future, using discovered objects from the past and blending them with modern, urban and industrial materials to spectacular effect.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Tapas / Small Plates, American
Hours of operation
Dinner: 5:00 p.m. - Closing Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Late Night Bar Menu available CLOSED MONDAY
Phone number
(805) 284-0370
Website
http://www.thelarksb.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Jason Paluska
Private party facilities
The Pullman Room private event space hosts up to 55 people for a seated dinner and 80 people for standing reception. The Lark restaurant hosts 130-seat indoor/outdoor restaurant space and is available for guest buyouts.
Private party contact
Aran Klingensmith: (805) 705-8895

Location
131 Anacapa St. Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Neighborhood
Santa Barbara
Parking details
Complimentary valet parking available or use nearby street parking. Substantial parking is available at the Santa Barbara train station, just a block away.
Public transit
Enjoy a train ride to Santa Barbara from southern or northern California and meet us at The Lark. No driving required.
Entertainment
Upcoming events:Make memories Christmas Eve at The Lark! Enjoy holiday specials in addition to The Lark's a la carte menu. Ring in the New Year at The Lark! Chef Paluska has New Year's Eve specials and a complimentary sparkling toast.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

West Coast Oysters On The Half Shell$4.00
foraged, pink peppercorn mignonette, tarragon, lime
Duck Fat Roasted Peanuts$9.00
chipotle chile, brown sugar, sea salt
Brown Butter Cornbread$10.00
wildflower honey, crispy rosemary
Pickled Market Vegetables$12.00
turmeric pickled turnips, hibiscus pickled cauliflower, fresno chile, pole beans, olive oil, dill
Southern Pimento Cheese$15.00
shiner bock beer aioli, tabasco pickled okra, brioche crackers
Girl & Dug Farms d'avignon radishes$18.00
whipped chive butter, salmon roe, meyer lemon

FROM THE FARM

Crispy Brussel Sprouts$15.00
sesame, medjool dates, garum, lime
Wild Arugula & Frisee Salad$17.00
"frog hollow farms" apricots, sheep's milk feta, roasted pistachio, fennel pollen honey, fermented citrus vinegar, mint
The Lark's Classic Wedge$19.00
little gems, smoked blue cheese, duroc pork belly, sourdough crouton, watermelon radish, spicy pecans, fine herbs vinaigrette
Grilled "Her Farms" Long Bean$18.00
preserved meyer lemon, parmigiano, salsa verde, pine nuts
Hand Cut Pappardelle$34.00
grilled brentwood sweet corn, maitake mushrooms, black pepper breadcrumbs, soft poached egg, pleasant ridge reserve, opal basil

FROM THE OCEAN

Channel Islands Ike Jime Halibut Crudo$22.00
carpinteria avocado mousse, lemon cucumber, jalapeno sea salt, tempura sea beans, marigold
Low Country Shrimp Boil$38.00
old bay marinated wild prawns, roasted "her produce" goldbar squash, carmelized shrimp jus, toasted garlic baguette, squash blossoms
Channel Island's Fisherman's Catch$42.00
daily fish offering with rancho gordo black eyed peas, summer pole beans, grilled fresno chile, flowering cilantro, arbequina olive oil, finger lime

FROM THE RANCH

Mary's Duck Liver Mousse$19.00
fernet poached bing cherries, rye whiskey, black walnuts, 4-year aged Saba, duck fat griddled sourdough, chervil
Roasted Beef Bone Marrow$22.00
tarragon & horseradish gremolata, pickled maitake mushrooms, white anchovy, grilled sourdough
Wayne Farms Buttermilk Fried Chicken$36.00
chile de arbol honey, b & b pickles, scallion
Oak Smoked Duroc Pork Ribs$38.00
caramelized peach glaze, old school fingerling potato salad, bourbon pickled jalapeno
Creekstone Prime Hanger Steak or Ribeye
grilled Japanese eggplant, shisito peppers, crispy shallot, marinated sungold tomato, beef tallow jus, thai basil
- Hanger Steak$52.00
- Ribeye$110.00

What 2,306 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6

4.6 based on all time ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

2,305 Reviews

d
davem
San Francisco
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Reviewed on June 15, 2019
overall3foodserviceambience
tiny martinis. Unusual and delicious food. Crowded. Noisy.
1 person found this helpful
CR
CaliforniaRed
Orange County
36 reviews
vip
5.0
36 reviews
Reviewed on June 3, 2019
overall5foodserviceambience
Delicious food, great ambiance and terrific location!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 17, 2019
overall3food4service2ambience3
I’ve been to the lark many times and have had a fabulous experience. This time was different. We were sat outside and had a very inattentive waiter. We asked for our food to be spaced out and we received every app/snack portion at the same time. The meals came very quickly after. It felt like they were trying to rush us out when we were there for a special occasion.
1 person found this helpful
RS
RonS
Kansas City
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Family vacation final dinner
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L
Lili
Greater Boston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 28, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Kyle the bartender was fantastic, that being said, so was the entire staff! Best meal and experience on this trip without question! Thanks!
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s
sophiegray
Central Coast
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Reviewed on February 27, 2019
overall5foodserviceambience
Delicious food, great service, cool atmosphere. My only complaint is that it gets a little loud in the dining room. Otherwise, this is an amazing place to visit. You won't be disappointed.
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SM
StuartM
Seattle
13 reviews
vip
2.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2019
overall2food1service3ambience4
Utterly ridiculous. The most convoluted dinner menu I’ve ever seen. Not sure what this restaurant is trying to be. It’s a concept, but I’m hard pressed to define exactly what it is. Food over priced and not well prepared. A so called small “carafe” of wine was no different than two glasses, and more expensive. Very nice, attractive ambiance, though. Very disappointing.
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M
Mike
Las Vegas
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always wonderful. Best restaurant in Santa Barbara.
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ND
NateD
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our server was wonderful and the food was delicious. Everything we tasted was seasoned perfectly. I cannot wait to return.
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TB
TannerB
Los Angeles
23 reviews
2.0
23 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2019
overall2food2service3ambience4
We’ve been to the Lark many times before. It is our favorite spot in Santa Barbara. Maybe our expectations were a lot to live up to, but our most recent experience fell short. The service was not what it has been in the past and the food, at least what we ordered, was nothing to write home about. We will almost certainly give The Lark another try, as it has been so wonderful in the past.
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TM
TammyM
Houston
19 reviews
vip
2.0
19 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2019
overall2food3service1ambience1
The food was fine, the service was poor. The mood in the restaurant is frantic with servers, hostesses all running around! You are rushed, left with no water on your table and not given the proper utensils. This was our first trip to Santa Barbara and read The Lark was a “must”. We were very disappointed.
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CO
CathleenO
Central Coast
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 1, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience3
Good restaurant. The couple of items we ordered, roasted Brussel sprouts and a arugula salad, were excellent, but were the only options for my vegan daughter. I did comment to our server about the lack of any vegan entrees on the menu, which was surprising in a modern, hip restaurant. It was my daughter's 19th birthday, and I had travelled from San Diego to Santa Barbara to take her out for her special day. The server did surprise us at the end with a serving of vegan avocado ice cream, which was a nice gesture.
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AS
AmritS
Los Angeles
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2019
overall4food3service4ambience4
The restaurant is little bit of a hype - the food is ok ok, nothing out of the ordinary - sitting in the patio with the fire on was a salvation.
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LR
LisaR
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 28, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place was amazing. From the outstanding food to the knowledgeable and friendly service, it was definitely top 5 dining experiences ever! The food was like art - each dish that came out was more beautiful than the last one. I wish I lived closer so I could frequent The Lark.
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BG
BirthdayGirl
San Francisco
31 reviews
vip
4.0
31 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience4
The food here is amazing and so is the wait staff. It does get a little noisy when it’s busy, but not too bad. I come to this restaurant every time I’m in town.
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g
geee
Los Angeles
38 reviews
vip
4.0
38 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience4
Food was very good..in fact, delicious..but the prices are outrageous for the portion size and for that reason I will not be back..$36 for 3 scallops and $34 for one fillet of branzino..too much
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DG
DebraG
Los Angeles
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2019
overall3food3service2ambience4
Great and lively atmosphere but really bad timing on serving the food. We felt very rushed. We received our salad and side vegetable dish less than 10 minutes after sitting down and even before my drink. We had requested that the vegetable come with our entrees. One of the entrees was served 15 minutes before the second entree so I got to watch my date eat his dinner while I waited for mine.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience5
I wish we could have sat indoors given that it was cold
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S
Shagam
Los Angeles
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place was a find near what was the Fess Parker. Excellent food; excellent service. I recommend for all special occasions and just a great night out with friends.
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MH
MatthewH
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The brussel sprouts were one of the best things I've ever eaten. Everything was great though, and the service was excellent.
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MM
MichelleM
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was great. You have to do the Brussel sprouts and risotto is they are available. Those were my favs. Ben our waiter was wonderful and very helpful.
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J
Jessica
Los Angeles
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
One of the best spots in SB! We had a truly amazing meal based on the recommendations of the bartender (thanks Wyatt!) and had wonderful cocktails to boot. It's a cute space but definitely a bit loud, otherwise we loved the vibe and everything we ordered. Service was great and everyone was so nice!
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J
Jersee
Los Angeles
23 reviews
vip
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience4
Our experience was wonderful Service was really good and menu very interesting
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OT
OpenTable Diner
London
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 23, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and wine on a cool hip environment
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great atmosphere, original menu, attentive service.
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NB
NatashaB
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
everything was beyond delicious, I'm dreaming of your house made fromage blanc....
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 20, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience5
Had to wait an hour despite arriving on time for our reservation. The vegetarian options are poor and all the plates are generally too salty.
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TA
TonyAndreas
Central Coast
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 19, 2019
overall3food4service3ambience4
The Lark has great food and drinks. They dropped the ball on my wife’s birthday but we still had fun and enjoyed our food. I wouldn’t recommend the Branzino. I think the fish is overrated but I liked the flavor of the complete dish. My wife enjoyed her Risotto as well. Server was blah. This was our second time there. We went for my birthday back in September. Our server last time was amazing! I think the energy and personality and attentiveness of the server can make or break the entire visit.
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EC
ElleC
Vancouver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience5
Awesome spot! Most food was exceptional. Service was friendly but not outstanding.
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p
pudljmpr
Los Angeles
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
To us this is one of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara. The menu is creative and always good. The service is always spot on. Every time we pass through Santa Barbara we eat here.
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ZJ
ZoeJ
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 18, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was incredible, mix of flavours. Service was impecable and atmosphere W was great.solo diner.
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s
saschas
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 6, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience4
The Lark has been touted and praised by many friends. We went there for the first time on our anniversary, the receptionist picked up on that, and we were given champagne to start with, and the waiter was addressing us by name, and with much enthusiasm and obvious love for the restaurant. He had recommendations and was also very knowledgeable about the food preparation and the wines. All in all it was a wonderful anniversary experience.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 5, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Lark has amazing food, great ambiance, and wonderful service! You can’t go wrong! We came here to celebrate my husband’s birthday and they made it very special. We can’t wait to go back again next time we are in Santa Barbara!
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DB
DamienB
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2019
overall3food2service4ambience4
We loved this restaurant the first couple times we came here, but this visit was very disappointing. None of the dishes clicked in terms of flavor/balance. Our pasta dish had a sauce that was very acidic and generally unappetizing. And the pear salad was overly dressed with bland pears and hardly any persimmon - we needed some sweetness from the fruit to balance the dish but there was none. The scallop dish tasted ok but there were so many components on the dish that we totally lost the scallops ... most of the ingredients were totally unnecessary.
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KV
KatyV
Philadelphia
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
I went back to the Lark again after a few months and was not disappointed. I had friends visiting from out of town and there was no question where we were going to eat - The Lark! The menu celebrates local farmers, fisherman and winemakers and brings together the perfect balance of elevated chic with southern comfort. Some of my favorites included the hangar steak tartare served on chicharrones with a mini Budweiser beer (so fun!), the title gems wedge salad, the half roasted chicken, and chicken-fried oysters. I tried the Kaleidoscope Eyes cocktail for the first time and fell in love with this modern take on a Moscow mule.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 3, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Delicious popcorn popped in sage oil and tossed in cinnamon, sugar, and salt! Our server was wonderful about making suggestions. We ordered the arugula and pear autumn salad, Brussels sprouts, and the vegan plate. All were wonderful with dairy and animal omitted.
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PS
PaulaS
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 3, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best dining experience in SB. Surprised at how many families (kids) dine here. The noise we experienced was kid noise. Food is impeccable. Service is expert. We will return again and again.
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J
Jessica
Greater Boston
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2019
overall3food3service5ambience4
We got reservations for NYE while visiting Santa Barbara and were so excited — unfortunately, the food really didn't live up to our expectations... to the point where we finally said something to our server, who was so gracious and understanding. Perhaps it was due to the busy night, or maybe we just ordered wrong, but it felt as if the ideas were there but the execution lacked follow-through (and flavor). Oh well. Pretty space though! It's also worth noting that we ate at their bakery, Helena's, for breakfast a few days before and it was delicious!
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S
Sarahh
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waitress was amazing! So friendly and quick to anticipate our needs. Good was delicious. Always exceeds our expectations!!
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AM
AmMo
Los Angeles
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
My NYE dinner at The Lark was great! Delicious and creative food in an excellent atmosphere.
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FAQs

The Lark - Santa Barbara is rated 4.6 stars by 2306 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

131 Anacapa St. Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Additional information

Neighborhood
Santa Barbara
Hours of operation
Dinner: 5:00 p.m. - Closing Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Late Night Bar Menu available CLOSED MONDAY
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Tapas / Small Plates, American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Complimentary valet parking available or use nearby street parking. Substantial parking is available at the Santa Barbara train station, just a block away.
Public transit
Enjoy a train ride to Santa Barbara from southern or northern California and meet us at The Lark. No driving required.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Jason Paluska
Entertainment
Upcoming events:Make memories Christmas Eve at The Lark! Enjoy holiday specials in addition to The Lark's a la carte menu. Ring in the New Year at The Lark! Chef Paluska has New Year's Eve specials and a complimentary sparkling toast.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thelarksb.com/
Phone number
(805) 284-0370
Private party facilities
The Pullman Room private event space hosts up to 55 people for a seated dinner and 80 people for standing reception. The Lark restaurant hosts 130-seat indoor/outdoor restaurant space and is available for guest buyouts.
Private party contact
Aran Klingensmith: (805) 705-8895

The Lark - Santa Barbara

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

SNACKS

West Coast Oysters On The Half Shell$4.00

Duck Fat Roasted Peanuts$9.00

Brown Butter Cornbread$10.00

Pickled Market Vegetables$12.00

Southern Pimento Cheese$15.00

Girl & Dug Farms d'avignon radishes$18.00

FROM THE FARM

Crispy Brussel Sprouts$15.00

Wild Arugula & Frisee Salad$17.00

The Lark's Classic Wedge$19.00

Grilled "Her Farms" Long Bean$18.00

Hand Cut Pappardelle$34.00

FROM THE OCEAN

Channel Islands Ike Jime Halibut Crudo$22.00

Low Country Shrimp Boil$38.00

Channel Island's Fisherman's Catch$42.00

FROM THE RANCH

Mary's Duck Liver Mousse$19.00

Roasted Beef Bone Marrow$22.00

Wayne Farms Buttermilk Fried Chicken$36.00

Oak Smoked Duroc Pork Ribs$38.00

Creekstone Prime Hanger Steak or Ribeye

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is The Lark - Santa Barbara restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information